Here’s our pick of some Dorset events during May

We wrote about fossils in Dorset a few weeks ago. Don’t forget to check out the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival which takes place between 30 April and 2 May. See www.evolutionrocks.net for more.

Music lovers might like to book a stay in Dorset between 30 April and4 May. The Sherborne Abbey Music Festival 2010 www.sherborneabbey.org is packed with events including such exciting names as:

• Lesley Garrett performing songs and arias from well known operas and musicals


• The Tallis Scholars with their programme Missa Solemnis


• Emma Johnson with her programme Romantic Clarinet


• Sherborne Festival Chorus performing The Kingdom


• An exciting new jazz group called Zum, classically trained soloists enticing you with a programme of sophisticated jazz which magically glides into wild gypsy fiddling and Celtic lament which slips into hot blooded Arabic melody.


• Fay Weldon talking about her life and her new book Chalcot Crescent.


• A UK premiere of Verdi's Requiem for piano and organ: Matteo Galli (organist at S.Maria presso S.Satiro Basilica in Milan) joins with Francesco Attesti (internationally renowned pianist) for this very special performance.


• Ruth Rogers and Morgan Szymanski running workshops for violin and classical guitar before performing in the abbey

On the 3rd of May enjoy the Bridport May Fair on Millennium Green, Mountfield, Bridport, 12 noon to 4pm. See maypole dancers, crowning of the May Queen, and enjoy stalls and music. 01308 456722 for more.

If you’re a railway enthusiast, make sure you put the 8th of May in your diary for the Sherborne Railway Celebrations. Sherborne 150th Railway Celebrations which take place in the Railway Station and Pageant Gardens, Sherborne. You can enjoy a Victorian parade, brass band, dancing, children’s entertainment, murder mystery dinner, competitions and more. Find out more on 01935 815341

If you live in Dorset, 17 – 23 May is Dorset Residents’ Week. This event aims to raise the profile of local attractions by offering amazing discounts for local residents. Details on attractions participating will be printed in Your Dorset or call into your local Dorset Tourist Information Centre.

More for music lovers, this time for Vinyl enthusiasts. If you want to track down a classic platter, go to Bridport on the 22 May to join with thousands of other enthusiasts for Vinyl Saturday. Record fairs, stalls etc in various venues around the town. www.vinylsaturday.co.uk 0788 239 2508

If food is more your thing, visit the French Market at the Top of Cheap Street, Sherborne, 10am - 4pm on the 23rd of May. Le Marche de France returns to Sherborne - oh la la! 07594 805013 www.sherbornechamber.org.uk

If you’re visiting Dorset, don’t forget to book your self catering accommodation in Dorset or bed and breakfast in Dorset as soon as possible.